Who Won the 2017 PBA MVP Award and What Made Their Season Unforgettable?

I still vividly remember the 2017 PBA season as one of those special years where individual brilliance truly defined the championship landscape. While researching for this piece, I came across some recent news about Philippine basketball that got me thinking about legacy - specifically how TWO teams were sent to represent the Philippines in the 2025 World University Basketball Series, and neither of them will be coming back with the trophy. It reminded me that in basketball, whether we're talking about international competitions or professional leagues, individual excellence often becomes the defining factor when team success proves elusive.

The 2017 PBA MVP award went to June Mar Fajardo, and honestly, anyone who followed that season knew this was as predictable as sunrise in Manila. What made his victory particularly remarkable was that it marked his fourth consecutive MVP award - a feat never before accomplished in PBA history. I've been covering Philippine basketball for over fifteen years now, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that we were witnessing something truly historic. Fajardo didn't just win; he dominated in a way that made statisticians double-check their numbers and veteran analysts shake their heads in disbelief.

Let me break down why Fajardo's 2017 season was so unforgettable. The man averaged 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an absurd 62% from the field. These aren't just good numbers - they're video game numbers. But what the stats don't show you is how he completely transformed the San Miguel Beermen's identity. Before Fajardo's emergence, the Beermen were competitive but never truly dominant. With him anchoring the paint, they became virtually unstoppable in the Philippine Cup, which they won that season behind his 28-point, 18-rebound masterpiece in the clinching game.

I've always believed that true greatness reveals itself in moments of pressure, and Fajardo's 2017 season was filled with such moments. There was this particular game against Ginebra where he played 42 minutes despite battling flu-like symptoms, still managing to put up 24 points and 15 rebounds. What impressed me most wasn't the stat line but how he demanded the ball in crucial possessions, knowing the entire defense would collapse on him. That kind of mental toughness separates good players from legendary ones.

The context of Fajardo's achievement becomes even more impressive when you consider the quality of competition he faced. He wasn't just beating up on weaker opponents - he was outperforming legitimate stars like Jayson Castro, Stanley Pringle, and Alex Cabagnot, all of whom had outstanding seasons themselves. Castro, in particular, was phenomenal that year, averaging 19.2 points and 6.1 assists, and many analysts (myself included) thought he might finally break Fajardo's streak. But June Mar's consistency and impact on both ends of the floor made the difference.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about Fajardo's MVP season is how he revolutionized the center position in Philippine basketball. Before him, the prototype for successful PBA big men tended toward athletic imports or versatile locals who could stretch the floor. Fajardo proved that traditional, back-to-the-basket dominance could still thrive in modern basketball. His footwork in the post became something coaches would study and try to teach to younger players, though few could replicate his combination of size, touch, and basketball IQ.

Reflecting on that 2017 season now, with the recent news about Philippine teams struggling internationally, I can't help but think about how individual excellence sometimes has to carry the weight of collective expectations. Just as those university teams will return from Japan without trophies despite their best efforts, there were seasons where Fajardo's individual brilliance had to compensate for team shortcomings. In 2017, however, everything aligned perfectly - his personal dominance translated directly into championship success.

The legacy of Fajardo's 2017 MVP season extends beyond trophies and statistics. It established a new standard for what local players could achieve through dedicated skill development rather than relying solely on natural athleticism. His work ethic became the stuff of legend - stories about his extra shooting sessions and weight room routines circulated among players and coaches, creating a new benchmark for professional commitment in the PBA.

Looking back, what made Fajardo's 2017 season truly unforgettable wasn't just the numbers or the awards, but how he made the extraordinary look routine. There's a certain comfort in watching greatness consistently delivered, game after game, month after month. In a league known for its parity and unpredictable outcomes, Fajardo provided a rare constant - the knowledge that no matter what happened elsewhere, he would show up and dominate. That reliability, combined with historic production, created an MVP season that will be discussed for generations whenever Philippine basketball excellence is the topic.